Leeds land Barkley on loan

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has joined Championship side Leeds on a month’s loan.

Ross Barkley impressed at Sheffield Wednesday earlier this season

Barkley, 19, spent two months on loan in the second tier earlier this season at Sheffield Wednesday, scoring four goals in 13 appearances. However, he was recalled to Goodison Park by manager David Moyes in November to provide cover for injuries.

The Toffees boss has used him only twice since, though - substitute appearances against Stoke and Chelsea - and is eager for him to get regular first-team experience again.

Barkley is set to go straight into the Leeds squad for Saturday’s match at Barnsley and manager Neil Warnock cannot wait to start work with him.

“I’m absolutely delighted to get Ross and I’d like to welcome him to the club,” Warnock told the club’s official website. “He had four other clubs after him so I’m delighted he's come to us.

“I’ve wanted to sign him for a long time now, I remember watching him when he played for Everton against QPR in the Premier League. He's got a great attitude and I have no doubt that he will end up a top player.

“The deal works well for both parties as he will gain experience here and he is a great addition to our squad.”

Moyes indicated to the Liverpool Echo earlier this week that he was planning to send Barkley out on loan again.

“The boy is going to be a very good player but he is still young and still young, maturity-wise, and we have to be wary of that,” he said. “We’ve no problem with boys making mistakes, but you don’t want to make mistakes that cost the team, especially when we are in such a good position.

“It’s something I have to balance. When can I give him the opportunities when maybe the mistakes aren’t so important? If I can’t find those times, then I will have to let him go back on loan and let him learn more somewhere else.”